Tottenham Hotspur head coach Martin Ho has praised Spurs’ ‘passion, desire and fight’ ahead of Crystal Palace meeting.

Ho spoke to the media at Hotspur Way on Friday morning, ahead of Tottenham’s trip to newly promoted Crystal Palace on Sunday. Palace also come into the game unbeaten, off the back of an impressive draw at fellow North London side Arsenal.

It was a performance that particularly impressed defensively, which is something Tottenham will have to overcome if they are to win this fixture.

‘Passion, desire, and fight’ can mean more than individual quality

Ho was asked about Crystal Palace’s start to the season and what he’s been impressed with. “They’re in the same position as we are. They’ve won a game and they’ve drawn a game,” Ho explained.

“They’re one of the only teams not to concede a goal this season, which obviously shows their defensive organisation is really strong. Their attacking play is very good and their one-v-one ability in their forward plays is very unique, so, they pose a huge threat. We know now every game we play, no matter who it is, you’re going to have to be at your best to take a result.”

Ho was keen to stress about the increasing competitiveness of the WSL, and how the quality of recruitment and increased investment from clubs, is making for great viewing and even better competition for the top places. “The quality of the league, I said it before the season started in any media, this would probably be one of the most, if not the most competitive season in the WSL for a long time,” the Spurs coach praised.

“This is because of the quality of players that have been recruited, the expansion of the league and more investment from clubs. More quality, as I said, not just with young players, but more experienced players either coming back to the league or being in the league or being recruited,” Ho continued.

“And, then just individual developments of teams and squads, I think there’s a lot of good work that goes on to enable these players to be at the top of their game, whether that’s via coaching or whether that’s their own individual work they do themselves. I think the league’s just going to get stronger and stronger. But you cannot take away hard passion, desire and fight, which can mean more than individual quality in certain games.”

Ho ‘really pleased’ with Tottenham’s start to the season

Martin Ho’s side have begun the season unbeaten, winning their opening game against West Ham, and then securing a one-all draw against Liverpool last weekend. Despite Ho admitting that Spurs “will have to be much better against Palace this weekend”, he remains pleased with his side’s opening two fixtures.

“Really happy with the players, happy with the team and the club as a whole”, Ho confirmed. “It’s a positive start in terms of being unbeaten… but a big thing I emphasize to the players, no matter if it’s start of the season or middle or end, is we don’t get carried away with one performance, one result, because the next one will come around very quickly and level you up.”

The Halfway Line asked the Tottenham coach to comment on how difficult it is to balance the competitiveness of the league, whilst also remaining unpredictable but honing in on the identity that he wants his team to possess. “We will never change how we want to look and the way we want to behave, with ball or without the ball,” Ho said defiantly.

“But maybe just some small changes tactically to how you defend, what spaces you defend and where you set traps at times. Then with the ball, trying to utilise the different skill sets of the players.

“I think that’s what makes you unpredictable when you have squad depth, is that no player is exactly the same in terms of what they give you and then making sure that those players are able to perform at their highest level to make it unpredictable for the opponent.”

Ho confirms that Tandberg and Sombath are in contention for Sunday’s fixture

Cathinka Tandberg was forced off in the first half against Liverpool last weekend, and Ho confirmed after the game that she had suffered a dead leg. However, the Norway international should be in contention for the trip to Selhurst Park after training on Wednesday. “Tinka was a dead leg [on Sunday],” Ho said. “She had recovery on Tuesday. She trained on Wednesday, and trains today and hopefully gets through that, and then will be available for the weekend.”

Ho also confirmed that Alice Sombath is available to feature for the first time since joining Spurs from Lyon in the summer. “No new injuries, touch wood. Alice is available and ready for the Crystal Palace game, which is good. She’s come through some really good weeks of training now and she’s available for selection.”

Long-term injuries Jess Naz and Maite Oroz remain unavailable.

Crystal Palace host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, with kick-off at 14:00 BST, live on Sky Sports.